Jurors saw both presentations packed with images of McLaughlin with Packard-McNeal's children, and while prosecutors emphasized the callous nature of killing a loving family man, the defense illustrated McLaughlin's connection to Packard-McNeal's children as evidence that it was unlikely she would plot a cold-blooded murder in the days before Christmas.
But just as the holidays approached, Murphy said there was no present for McLaughlin under Packard-McNeal's tree and that she lied to police about buying him any gifts — proof she knew he wouldn't be there to open them.
Hill said her decision to shop at the last minute wasn't indicative of murder.
Since her 2009 arrest, Packard-McNeal's appearance has dramatically changed. Her hair, once straight and bleached, was pulled back into a long, curly brown ponytail, with one bright blonde streak down the middle. She sat attentively in a beige suit as the case against her began.
